Key Takeaways
After a burglary, most homeowners should replace their locks rather than rekey them, especially if doors or frames were damaged. Rekeying works when locks are intact and undamaged. Your choice depends on lock condition, security goals, and budget. A licensed locksmith can assess both options on-site and help you decide within minutes.
- Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so old keys no longer work, but the hardware stays the same.
- Replacing locks installs entirely new hardware, which is better when locks are damaged or you want to upgrade security.
- Damaged door frames or strike plates usually need repair before either option provides real protection.
- Grade 1 deadbolts and reinforced strike plates significantly reduce forced-entry risk after a break-in.
- A licensed locksmith should inspect your entry points within 24 hours of a burglary.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks After a Burglary
When a burglar breaks into your home, your first instinct is to feel safe again as fast as possible. The question most homeowners face right away is whether to rekey or replace locks after a burglary. Here is the short answer: if your locks are physically intact and undamaged, rekeying is a fast, affordable way to make old keys useless. If the locks were forced, tampered with, or are low-quality to begin with, replacing them entirely gives you a stronger starting point. According to the FBI, there were roughly 847,000 burglaries reported in the U.S. in a recent year, and most involved forced entry through doors. That means the lock hardware itself often takes real punishment during a break-in. A locksmith can assess the damage in person and tell you exactly which route makes sense for your situation.
What Rekeying Actually Does to Your Locks
Rekeying is a mechanical process. A locksmith disassembles your lock cylinder and replaces the small internal pins inside with a different set. This means the old key no longer turns the lock, and a new key is cut to match the new pin configuration. The lock body, the cylinder housing, and all the external hardware stay exactly the same. For complete coverage, see our Locksmith After a Break-In: What to Do Step by Step resource on what to do when you first call a locksmith after a break-in.
Rekeying makes sense after a burglary when the lock was not damaged during the entry. For example, if someone used a copied key, picked the lock without breaking it, or entered through a window while your door locks stayed untouched, rekeying removes any key-based risk quickly and at a lower cost than full replacement. A standard rekey typically runs between $20 and $50 per lock, not counting the service call fee. The process takes a professional locksmith about 10 to 20 minutes per lock. Understanding rekeying vs. replacing locks and which one you actually need can help you make a more informed decision before the locksmith arrives.
When Rekeying Is Not Enough
Rekeying has real limits. If the lock cylinder shows signs of drilling, picking damage, or forced rotation, the internal parts may be compromised even if the lock still turns. Rekeying a damaged cylinder leaves you with a weak link in your security chain. A locksmith will look for scratch marks around the keyway, bent or cracked lock bodies, and loose cylinder movement as signs you need to replace your door locks rather than simply rekey them.
When Lock Replacement Is the Better Choice
Full lock replacement means removing the entire existing lock set and installing new hardware. This is the right move when the burglar forced the door, when the lock body is visibly damaged, or when your existing locks are low-grade hardware that a burglar defeated easily. According to IICRC standards for post-loss property assessment, security and structural integrity should be restored as a priority after any property intrusion event. While that standard focuses on restoration broadly, the principle applies directly to lock hardware that has been compromised.
Replacing locks also gives you the chance to upgrade. Many homes still have builder-grade locks with ANSI Grade 3 ratings, which are the weakest category. Stepping up to a Grade 1 deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate and 3-inch screws going into the door stud can make forced entry dramatically harder. Exploring modern front door lock options for enhanced home security can help you identify hardware that meets Grade 1 standards. The cost for quality Grade 1 hardware runs between $60 and $150 per lock depending on brand and features, plus installation labor.
Inspecting the Door Frame and Strike Plate
Many homeowners focus entirely on the lock itself and miss the real vulnerability: the door frame and strike plate. During a forced entry, the door frame and strike plate absorb the most impact. A lock can be in perfect condition while the frame around it is cracked, splintered, or pulled away from the studs. If you install a new Grade 1 lock on a damaged frame, a determined person can still kick the door open in seconds.
According to FEMA home security guidance, reinforcing the door frame and using strike plates with longer screws is one of the most effective ways to resist forced entry. A locksmith or a contractor can assess frame damage and install a door reinforcement kit if needed. These kits wrap steel around the frame edge and door edge where kick-in damage typically concentrates. Addressing the frame is not optional if it was damaged during the burglary. If you have recently moved into a new home, reviewing what to do before you unpack when moving into a new home covers many of the same entry point vulnerabilities worth addressing.
“The weakest point in most residential doors is not the lock itself but the strike plate and the wood frame behind it,” says a technical spokesperson for the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association. “Upgrading to a heavy-gauge strike plate with screws that reach the structural framing is one of the simplest security improvements a homeowner can make.”
Smart Locks and Additional Security After a Break-In
A burglary is often the moment homeowners decide to rethink their security setup entirely. Keyless entry systems for residential properties with keypad entry, app control, and activity logs eliminate the risk of a copied or stolen key. These devices still require proper installation into a solid door and frame to work as intended. According to Energy Star product guidance on smart home devices, smart lock technology has expanded significantly, and many models now integrate with home security systems to send alerts when a door is opened or tampered with.
Adding a door reinforcement bar, a security camera at each entry point, and motion-sensor lighting can round out your post-burglary security plan. These steps work together with your new or rekeyed locks. A locksmith can advise on smart home security and integrating digital locks with home systems to help you avoid models that look modern but use weak internal mechanisms.
How to Choose a Locksmith After a Burglary
After a break-in, you need a locksmith fast, but rushing can lead to hiring someone unqualified. According to BrightLocal consumer research, nearly 80% of consumers check online reviews before hiring a local service provider. Look for locksmiths with a verifiable physical address, state licensing where required, and clear upfront pricing. Knowing how to choose a reliable locksmith in Asheville can save you from predatory pricing and substandard work when you are most vulnerable. Ask specifically whether they carry Grade 1 replacement hardware and whether they can assess frame damage at the same visit.
Avoid any locksmith who quotes a very low price over the phone and then adds large fees on-site. A reputable professional will give you a written estimate before touching your hardware. Many areas have state licensing requirements for locksmiths, so checking the license database for your state takes just a few minutes and protects you from unlicensed operators. For guidance on federal workplace safety standards that licensed contractors follow, OSHA occupational safety guidelines provide a useful reference point for verifying professional operating standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rekeying Cheaper Than Replacing Locks After a Burglary?
Yes, rekeying is generally cheaper. It typically costs $20 to $50 per lock versus $60 to $150 or more for new hardware plus installation. However, if the existing locks are damaged or low-quality, spending more on replacement hardware gives you better long-term security. A locksmith can quote both options so you can compare before committing.
How Quickly Should I Rekey or Replace Locks After a Break-In?
Ideally within 24 hours. The sooner your entry points are secured, the lower the risk of a repeat intrusion. Many locksmiths offer same-day or emergency service for burglary situations. Waiting even one night with compromised locks leaves your home and family at unnecessary risk.
Can I Rekey My Locks Myself Without a Locksmith?
Rekeying kits are sold at hardware stores for some lock brands, and a mechanically skilled person can follow the instructions. However, mistakes during rekeying can leave the lock in a non-functional state or result in an incomplete rekey. After a burglary, most security professionals recommend having a licensed locksmith handle the work to confirm the job is done correctly.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Lock Replacement After a Burglary?
Many homeowners insurance policies do cover lock replacement as part of a burglary claim. According to the Insurance Information Institute, standard homeowners policies typically cover losses from theft and vandalism, which can include damaged doors and locks. Check your policy deductible before filing a claim, since the cost of new locks may fall below your deductible amount.
What Is the Difference Between ANSI Grade 1 and Grade 3 Locks?
ANSI grading rates lock strength and durability. Grade 1 is the highest residential rating and is tested to withstand over 250,000 open and close cycles plus significant forced-entry attempts. Grade 3 is the lowest rating and is common in builder-grade construction. After a burglary, upgrading to Grade 1 hardware is one of the most practical security improvements you can make. Reviewing how to know when it is time to replace your home’s locks can help you evaluate whether your remaining hardware meets an adequate security standard.
Should I Replace All Locks or Just the One That Was Compromised?
Security professionals generally recommend evaluating all entry points, not just the one where entry occurred. Burglars often scout multiple access points. If your other locks are older, low-grade, or show wear, replacing or upgrading them at the same time saves a second service call and closes potential vulnerabilities you might not have noticed before the break-in.
Does Rekeying Work If the Burglar Did Not Use a Key?
If the burglar forced the door or broke a window to enter without using a key, rekeying the undamaged locks still makes sense as a precaution. It prevents any risk from a key that may have been taken during the burglary. However, rekeying should be paired with frame repair and possible lock upgrades to address the actual method of entry.
Take the Next Step to Secure Your Home Today
A burglary is stressful, but restoring your sense of security starts with one phone call to a qualified locksmith. Whether rekeying is the right fit or full lock replacement makes more sense for your situation, getting a professional assessment within 24 hours is the most important step you can take. Look at your locks, your door frame, and your overall entry point security as a complete picture rather than just swapping out hardware and hoping for the best. Alodom connects homeowners with licensed, vetted locksmith professionals who can assess your specific situation, recommend the right solution, and get your home secured fast. Contact Alodom today to schedule your post-burglary security assessment.